Hobart festivalgoers, Antarctic crew take icy dip
Hobart winter festival Dark Mofo has held its annual naked winter solstice swim, while Australia's expeditioners in Antarctica took their own icy plunge.
national news
Doubt cast on police timeline of statements on tasering
The NSW police minister has faced repeated questions over what she knew about a police decision to withhold key details from the public after a gran's tasering.
Teacher slapped with historical sex assault charges
An 82-year-old man has been hit with dozens of charges as part of a police investigation into historical sex assaults linked to a Melbourne primary school.
Top prosecutor defends call not to lay Lawyer X charges
A key figure in the Lawyer X scandal was prepared to testify against Victorian police officers in a proposed plea deal that fell apart over immunity concerns.
Treasurer’s ‘big call’ on RBA top job due in weeks
The treasurer is expected to make a decision about the leadership of the Reserve Bank of Australia as existing governor Philip Lowe's term draws to a close.
NSW equality legislation set to make queer life easier
Sydney MP Alex Greenwich has introduced equality legislation, saying NSW has fallen behind other states and territories when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights.
Aussie charities take $13.4 billion in donations
Australian charities, including churches and universities, recorded a jump in donations to $13.4 billion in 2021 and employed more than 10 per cent of workers.
Senate inquiry adds to scrutiny of Perth Mint fumbles
Perth Mint faces a Senate inquiry on top of an audit and compliance overhaul amid longstanding issues and controversies including gold bars alloyed with silver.
Something ‘seriously wrong’ with police case management
An inquiry looking at gay hate crimes has shined a damning light on the NSW Police Force with multiple cold case records lost and key evidence never tested.
Another electric vehicle breaks Australian price record
The lowest price for an electric vehicle in Australia has fallen even lower as automakers battle for a slice of the market.
‘I want the 10 jersey’: Cooper set for Wallabies recall
Ten months after rupturing his Achilles, veteran five-eighth Quade Cooper is ready to make his second Wallabies comeback in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup.
Long-awaited Berejiklian corruption probe report due
The NSW corruption watchdog is about to release its report into the conduct of former premier Gladys Berejiklian and her secret boyfriend Daryl Maguire.
Australian efforts to clean air travel get $30m boost
Australian projects to cut emissions from air travel will get a $30 million boost and support from a new industry body.
‘No peace’: Denyer victims’ angst over parole law loss
A bill to ban serial killer Paul Denyer from re-applying for parole has been defeated in the Victorian parliament, leading to dismay from victims' families.
Push to legalise personal marijuana use in three states
The Legalise Cannabis Party will introduce bills to decriminalise the drug for adult use in three states, but it faces resistance from premiers.
Tight jobs market adds to interest rate uncertainty
The Reserve Bank hiked interest rates last month due to inflation risks bubbling under the surface, but it has been revealed the decision was "finely balanced".
‘Juvenile’: PM seeks advice as housing policy stalls
The prime minister says the government is seeking advice on the triggers required for a double dissolution after the Greens delayed a key housing bill.
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Critical minerals plan ‘sets a floor, not a ceiling’
More than a quarter of a million new jobs could be up for grabs if Australia can supply factory-ready materials for the world's electric cars and clean energy.
‘Culture of cover-up’: Lambie refers ADF brass to Hague
Senator Jacqui Lambie has referred senior leaders within the ADF to the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.
Families of serial killer victims sway parole reforms
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has flagged parole law changes as he apologises for the handling of an application by serial killer Paul Denyer.
Judge blasts ‘shambolic’ police at gay hate inquiry
The blood-stained jeans and shirt of murdered AC/DC manager Crispin Dye were never sent for analysis and evidence has been lost, an inquiry has been told.
Woodside to proceed with $10.6b oil project off Mexico
Woodside Energy is moving forward with a $10.6 billion plan to develop the Trion oil field in the Gulf of Mexico, drawing criticism from climate activists.
‘No involvement’: Liberal MP responds to wife’s funding
Federal Liberal MP Warren Entsch has rebuffed questions around the awarding of an Indigenous teaching grant to his wife, saying he had nothing to do with it.
Mao’s Last Dancer Li Cunxin retiring from Qld Ballet
Li Cunxin, the acclaimed ballet dancer and author of Mao's Last Dancer, is retiring as artistic director of Queensland Ballet following ill health.
Activist on bail after port railway blockade protest
A 22-year-old woman has been banned from travelling north of Gosford unless attending court after protesting at the Port of Newcastle.
Safety rules call as study puts wind up flying taxis
Autonomous flying taxis are still a possibility for Australia, researchers say, but will need strict regulation and more research into urban wind gusts.
Taiwan war would dwarf Ukraine conflict, says Morrison
As a new poll shows Australians remain concerned about China in the region amid rising tensions, Scott Morrison has again entered the debate.
Feds to ease the flood of trauma after disaster strikes
The federal government is launching a new framework to cut red tape and help traumatised disaster survivors access long-term mental health care .
School climate strike leader among arrested protesters
A former school climate strike organiser has graduated to more radical action in a third day of protests targeting east coast coal ports and facilities.
Respiratory disease registry seeks to combat silicosis
A registry to detect and combat "unacceptable" workplace respiratory diseases such as silicosis will be set up, introducing mandatory reporting laws.
Economy falters as rattled consumers tighten belts
Australia is on track for two years of sluggish economic growth that may be even weaker than first feared.